Broken pipe puts Gisborne in water crisis

A large landslide has caused major water pipe damage near Gisborne. Photo / Gisborne District Council

Gisborne is in a water crisis following a major break in the main trunk pipeline from the dams that supply the city with water.

The pipe break was identified late yesterday afternoon and it is understood the damage was caused by a large landslide in the Mangapoike area.

Gisborne District Council water team leader Marcus Koll said emergency water restrictions had been initiated as a result of the mains break from the Mangapoike Dams.

"We are still assessing the situation but need to get the message out for people to cut any non-essential water use. The immediate goal is to supply water for public health reasons, fire fighting and industry. Therefore the community's assistance on this issue will be greatly appreciated."

At the moment, there is around 200m3/hour of drinkable water being supplied from the Te Arai bush catchment, with an additional 540m3/hr from the Waipaoa Water Treatment Plant.

"This is well short of our current demand requirements for this time of the year of 1100m3/hr," said Mr Koll.

"Important water stakeholders have been informed of the crisis and are implementing water restriction plans."

Mr Koll said there was no quick-fix to the problem. It could take two weeks before it was repaired, however, engineers and contractors were working on solutions.

While staff are sorting the problem, the council has imposed a ban on using hoses for non-essential water usage such as car washing, irrigation and filling of swimming pools.

"We also ask all other water users to conserve their water use as much as possible to avoid further water restrictions being imposed."